BRISTOW – The city of Bristow has issued a bottled water advisory to be in effect until the pump for the city’s main well is replaced next week or until test results show water is safe to drink.
Today the city switched to a back-up well, which has tested high for nitrates in the past. The city is sending water for laboratory testing to determine levels of nitrates and bacteria in the back-up well. Until test results are available, the city recommends using bottled water for drinking.
Nitrates above the federal standard of 10 milligrams per liter can cause serious illness in infants and, if untreated, may cause death. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome.
Residents should not boil the water, as boiling increases nitrate concentrations.
They should use bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth and food preparation until further notice. Tap water can be used for bathing and similar purposes.
The city or DNR will notify residents when water is safe to drink.
For more information, call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 for general guidelines on ways to reduce risks of infection.